Many in the modern, developed world scoff at the idea that coconut could be an aphrodisiac. But in the Caribbean, coconut has a reputation as a love enhancer. And recent research from the National University of Singapore reveals that coconut is loaded with compounds that boost the action of testosterone.

In a recent paper on Novel Phytoandrogens in Eucommia, researchers described two classes of plant-based compounds that increase the activity of testosterone in animals. One class includes a series of short chained fatty acids including caproic, caprylic and heptanoic acid. These fatty compounds (which are copulins previously discussed here at Aphrodisiology) increase the activity of testosterone. And coconut is a particularly rich source.

The researchers even went as far as to suggest a possible link between diets high in coconuts (or other related compounds in meat) as a possible contributor to certain cancers (breast, prostate). While such a link is theoretically possible, it would result only from excessive consumption of coconut oil (which also has some anti-cancer and anti-viral properties). I personally think the occasional Madras curry might be a good menu choice for a special date, with minimal risk.